Molded casing for a test kit

ABSTRACT

A casing for use as a test kit that employs crushable ampoules prefilled with chemical or biological reagents, comprising a molded casing having a distinct reaction chamber, and at least one distinct cell adapted for receiving a crushable ampoule. The cell has a flexible pressing area at its outer wall for pressing and crushing the ampoule. An opening exists between the chamber and the cell that is either narrow enough, or provided with filtering means so as to allow passage of the reagent while preventing passage of glass shards from the cell to the chamber. The casing further comprises an inlet leading from the exterior of the casing into the inner space of the reaction chamber and a sampling probe, for enabling obtaining samples of material and delivery of said material through the inlet to the reaction chamber.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a molded casing useful as a testkit for chemically or biologically identifying and analyzing thepresence of substances (such as illegal drugs). More specifically, thepresent invention relates to a molded casing having flexible pressablecells (one or more), each adapted to receiving a crushable ampoulepre-filled with a predetermined required chemical or biological reagentor reagents and having a reaction chamber opened to said cells, whichalso has an inlet for delivering the examined specimen into saidreaction chamber, and at least one transparent inspection “window” forobserving the results of the reaction carried out in the reactionchamber. Until now, performing such tests was a matter forprofessionals. The molded casing of the present invention improves andfacilitates the performance of the chemical tests, such that unskilledpeople such as worried parents, school administrators, or employers, caneasily and privately check for the presence of drugs. The molded casingaccording to the present invention is manufactured as a closeddisposable unit, thereby ensuring against drain of noxious materialsthat are involved in some of the chemical tests.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A basic problem with glass ampoules used in ampoule-based testsis that, for releasing it's content, there is a need to crush theampoules which is an unpleasant action. The glass shards of brokenampoules are dangerous to the fingers of the user, and uselesslydisperse into the mixture of the reacting materials, disturbing theinspection of the reaction results.

[0003] Another problem with ampoule-based tests is that the process ofbringing all the involved materials together is slow and toilsome,especially in some kinds of tests which have to be done by using aplurality of ampoules and materials, or by using noxious reagents.

[0004] Another problem arises when a test has to be done outdoors or infield conditions. On one hand, the testing ampoules have to beprotected, and on the other hand, they have to be ready to use and in aproper composition of materials for the specific test to be made.

[0005] The molded casing according to the present invention isespecially useful as a testing kit for identifying drugs (such asCocaine, Heroin, Hashish, Marijuana, Methamphetamine, LSD etc.). In thiskind of test, a sample of the material which is suspected of being adrug, has to be mixed with up to three or four different liquids storedin a similar number of small glass ampoules.

[0006] The prior art in this field discloses a testing kit, arrangedsuch that a composition of the glass ampoules of the appropriatematerials are closed together inside a small plastic pouch, and asampling tube or toothpick is enclosed as well. Another kind of priorart testing kit is a flexible cigarette-like transparent tube, providedwith the required chemicals in sealed pre-filled glass ampoulespositioned in a column along the tube, and with a sampling toothpick.

[0007] The detection process using said kits is long and cumbersome forpeople skilled in the art, and it is difficult for use for unskilledpeople.

[0008] The aim of the present invention is to provide a new deviceenabling fast, facile and clean chemical tests, for the use of unskilledpeople (worried parents, school administrators, employers etc.) as wellas for professionals. The prior art testing kits do not comply with thefollowing, which are the basic requirements for a test kit:

[0009] a) ampoules have to be crushed safely and easily.

[0010] b) the reaction mixture must be clean from glass shards of brokenampoules.

[0011] c) the device has to be insured against fluid leakage.

[0012] d) ampoules have to be well-protected in field conditions.

[0013] e) sampling of suspected material into the kit has to be fast andeasy.

[0014] f) the predetermined sequence of crushing the ampoules has to beeasily identified by the unskilled user.

[0015] h) the device have to include a minimum number of mobile(releasable) parts.

[0016] i) each ampoule must be protected from being crushed whilecrushing other ampoules.

[0017] j) the sampled material has to be inserted directly into the testlocation, without having to tap the device for driving the sample to theplace, and for minimizing the possibility of contaminating the sampledmaterial.

[0018] k) a convenient background is needed for easily reading theresults of a test.

[0019] Surprisingly, all said requirements are achieved, in the deviceof the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In the context of the present invention, “test” is any kind oftest or chemical or biological reaction, that is performed by mixing atleast one tested material (reagent) with at least one other material(reagent) pre-filled in a sealed glass ampoule.

[0021] The present invention relates to a casing for use as a test kitusing crushable ampoules, comprising a molded casing having a distinctreaction chamber and at least one distinct cell adapted for receiving acrushable ampoule and having a flexible pressing area at its outer wallfor pressing and crushing said ampoule, wherein there is an openingbetween said chamber and said at least one cell, and said opening isnarrow enough, or provided with suitable filtering means, to prevent thepassage of glass shards from the cell to the chamber. The reactionchamber is further provided with an appropriate inlet opening for theinsertion of a sample of tested material, and with a sampling probe foreasy placement of the sample inside the reaction chamber, through saidinlet.

[0022] A reaction between the contents of crushable ampoules and asample of tested material is produced after crushing the ampoules in thecorrect sequence and after the required mixture is formed inside saidreaction chamber.

[0023] The casing can be made from either a casting, injection,vacuum-forming, or press-forming etc. of any appropriate material.

[0024] The casing is provided as a closed disposable unit equipped withall the required ampoules inside.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention relates to a molded casing useful as a testkit for identifying the presence of substances such as drugs. The casinghas flexible, pressable cells (one or more), each adapted for receivinga crushable ampoule filled with a predetermined required chemicalreagent (or reagents). Each cell is opened to the reaction chamber,directly or through a short narrow channel. The opening or the channelwhich connects between a cell and the chamber is either screened,meshed, or built narrower then its associated ampoule, so as to preventshards of ampoule from passing into the reaction chamber. However, it iswide enough so as to ensure free flow of the ampoule's content from thecell to the chamber. For improved flow, the device may further compriseaeration channels between the cells or between the chamber and cells,for avoiding a bottleneck effect.

[0026] The walls of the cells are formed in thickness and flexibilitysuch that crushing the ampoules is easy and safe. At least one portionof an outer wall of each cell is designed to be a “pressing point”. Thisportion is both thin and flexible so as to enable application ofsufficient pressure on the inner ampoule for crushing said ampoule toproduce a reaction. However, the pressing point is thick enough forprotecting the fingers of the user crushing the ampoule, as well as forprotecting the ampoule in field conditions. The required flexibility ofthe pressing point may also be achieved by chocolate bar shaped crossinggrooves formed in the casting of the casing material, on the interiorsurface of the cell wall, behind the pressing point.

[0027] The pressing point is located in the wall of a cell for crushingthe ampoule at a specific predetermined desired breaking point,preferably against the middle of the ampoule for a complete crush (oraccording to another variation, near the end of the cell for crushingthe round bottom of the ampoule).

[0028] Fore easy identification, the pressing points can be marked, i.e.by changing the smoothness (or pattern) of the outer surface of thecells at their pressing points.

[0029] For making the crushing action even easier, it is possible tocreate, at the back side of the cell, two fulcrums, located on oppositeends of the ampoule. In this manner, pressure produced by a user on thepressing point (near the middle of the ampoule, and in the oppositedirection to said fulcrums) is given the added advantage of a lever.

[0030] According to the preferred embodiment of this invention, if acasing comprises more than one ampoule cell, it further comprises aprotective separation barrier between each pair of cells, so as toinsure that pressing on one cell for crushing its ampoule, will notcause the (mistaken) crushing of a neighboring ampoule. According to thepreferred embodiment of this invention, the casing further comprisesside walls having straight bottom ends, thereby enabling positioning thecasing vertically on any horizontal surface. The side walls are alsouseful for protecting the cells in field conditions, in addition to theprotection provided by said protective barriers. Another advantage ofthe side walls is that they may be used as gripping regions for holdingthe casing by hand during a test procedure.

[0031] The casing is further provided with an appropriate inlet openingleading to the reaction chamber. An opening for this purpose may also bea temporarily sealed orifice, having a sealing comprised of a thin layerof material, for being broken and opened at a preferred moment.

[0032] It is also possible to design an openable casing (without a fixedopening), for the placement of a sample inside of the reaction chamberby opening the casing itself, and closing it after the sample is placed.

[0033] For sampling the tested material, the casing is equipped with asampling probe, having means for collecting related materials. Suchmeans may be a toothed edge, pronged edge, pincette edge, piped edge,sticky edge or any other efficient means for collecting sample of aspecific related material, including means useful for collecting liquidsamples (e.g. syringe-like means comprising a miniature piston and ahollow edge, a spongy material edge, or any other means for collectingliquids as known in the art). It is also possible to design a samplingprobe with a replaceable end-unit, such that an appropriate end-unit maybe adapted for each kind of test from a selection of various shapes andlengths of end-units.

[0034] The sampling probe is designed such that it fits into the inletopening leading to the reaction chamber. The opening of the probe iscone-like, wider at its outer end and narrower at the end that joinswith the reaction chamber. The sampling probe has a portion formed witha conforming shape, such that when inserted into the casing in a correctposition, the opening is sealed. By such a design, the sampling probe isused also as a sealing cap for the casing, and only two free parts areincluded in the kit; the casing, and the probe. Thus, the user mayeasily control the test procedure, without worries about loosing parts.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the invention, the samplingprobe and the casing have mutual interlocking means such that the probeis locked to the casing, and its removal or insertion requires theapplication of force to overcome the locking force.

[0036] The locking means are molded in the body of the probe and thecasing, as a protrusion and groove or the like. According to onepreferred embodiment of this invention, the locking means are for onetime only (irreversible) insertion, such that once a sampling wasentered by the probe into the chamber, the probe is locked in thecasing, and thus the unit is insured against leakage. Preferably, thecasing includes means for gripping the probe before use without lock,thus the kit is supplied to the customer as one unit.

[0037] According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, thecasing is made from a transparent material, such that it is very easyfor a user to observe any color change inside the reaction chamber.Preferably, only predetermined portions (“inspection windows”) of thereaction chamber having glossy polishing, while the other portions ofthe reaction chamber and the casing are opaque (by having a coarsepolishing). Thus unskilled people may easily know where to look, forinspecting the color change.

[0038] The transparent material has to be resistant against corrosivechemicals that may be involved in the tests. Different variations ofpolypropylene, which are also very transparent materials, and resistiveas required, are suitable.

[0039] It is also possible to make the casing from any resistive opaquematerial, while the reaction chamber is provided with a transparenteyepiece.

[0040] The dimensions of the reaction chamber are predetermined andadapted for accommodating the exact quantity of reagents which isexpected from a specific test. The sampling probe is also shaped to holdthe sample in the exact desired point inside the reaction chamber. Thecolor and shape of the sampling probe can be designed such that thesampling probe provides a convenient background next to the inspectionwindow, for easily viewing the results of a test. Due to all thesemeans, the test is reliable. The casing may be provided to the customerwith a color indexing spot printed adjacent to the definite resultingpoint of the reaction, or printed on a sticker for being adhered there.

[0041] It is possible to select any of the above mentioned arrangementsand combine them according to the requirements of any specific test, forthe manufacturing of a suitable test kit.

[0042] The advantages provided by the present invention are as follows:

[0043] a) ampoules are crushed safely and easily, and (if necessary) ata predetermined crushing point.

[0044] b) the reaction chamber is clean from parts of broken ampoules.

[0045] c) the kit is sealed and prevents leakage of fluids during thetest procedure.

[0046] d) ampoules are protected from harm in field conditions.

[0047] e) the sampling of the suspected material into the kit is madefast and easy.

[0048] f) crushing of ampoules according to a predetermined order caneasily be made (The manufacturer provides each kit with ampoules intheir cells in a requested order. The casing may be designedasymmetrically, to avoid mistakes, and/or cells may be marked ornumbered according the required order for crushing the associatedampoules.)

[0049] g) interlocking means between the sampling probe and the casingprevents leakage of chemicals from the thrown away casing.

[0050] h) the user has to handle not more than two separate parts (thecasing and the probe)

[0051] i) each ampoule is protected from being crushed while crushingother ampoules.

[0052] j) the sampled material is inserted directly into the reactionchamber, avoiding loses of material during the insertion, and there isno need to tap the kit for driving the sample to the bottom.

[0053] k) the sampling probe provides a convenient background behind theinspection window for easily reading the results of a test.

[0054] l) the casing can be positioned vertically on any horizontalsurface, with no need to hold it constantly by hand.

[0055] The invention will be further described in details by FIG. 1-6.These figures are solely intended to illustrate some preferredembodiments of the present invention, and in no way are meant to limitthe scope of the invention.

[0056]FIG. 1 describes a test kit (1) for narcotic drug detection,comprising a molded casing (2), with a transparent reaction chamber (3),three cells (4) (5) (6) for ampoules, each ampoule cell being open tothe reaction chamber through a channel (4 a) (5 a) (6 a), and a samplingprobe (11) provided with the casing in a scabbard (10) (which is oneexample of gripping means for gripping the probe prior to use), forinsertion into a conduit (7) with a sample of suspected material. Theconduit (7) is cone shaped, and has a wide opening (9) toward the outerside, and a narrow opening (8) toward the reaction chamber (3). Thesampling probe (11) has a cone shaped portion (13), adapted to beinserted through the conduit (7) into the chamber (3), and to seal it.The sampling probe (11) has a gripping handle (12) and a tip (14) havingmeans (the depicted pincette-like means is only one of variouspossibilities) for collecting a predetermined quantity of the sampledmaterial. The opening (8) from the conduit to the chamber, and the arrowshaped end (15) of the probe, provide mutual irreversible locking means,such that once the probe is fully inserted through the conduit, thearrow shaped end (15) preventing pulling out of the probe. After asample is inserted, the ampoules are crushed by the user by fingerpressing through the walls of cells (4)(5)(6). The liquid of each brokenampoule flows through the associated channel (4 a) (5 a) (6 a) into thereaction chamber (3). The sampled material is now ready for a detection,and the test (reaction) is performed. To improve the flow of reagentsfrom the ampoule cell to the chamber by avoiding a bottleneck effect,aeration channels are provided in the molded casing; (4 b) betweencells, or (6 b) between a cell and the chamber. Since the channels arenarrow, the crushed ampoule shards are prevented from reaching thereaction chamber, and the result of the reaction is well inspectedthrough the transparent walls of the chamber (3).

[0057]FIG. 2 describes the preferred embodiment of a test kit moldedcasing according to the present invention. This casing is comprised fromtwo parts (21)(41). FIG. 2a and FIG. 2c, both describe the same part(21). FIG. 2a illustrates its exterior side, and FIG. 2c illustrates itsinterior side. The other part (41) is illustrated by FIGS. 2b (interiorside) and 2 d (exterior side). Part (21) of FIG. 2a is configured inposition for being attached with part (41) of FIG. 2c. The other side ofboth parts, is illustrated by FIGS. 2b and 2 d. The two parts have rims(33)(33 a) for attaching them to each other either by press or by meansof ultrasonic soldering.

[0058] Part (21) comprises three cells (22)(23)(24) adapted to receivethree ampoules (ampoules are not depicted). Pressing points for breakingampoules (22 a) (23 a) (24 a) are marked in the exterior wall of thecells by a pattern of protruding dots.

[0059] Rigid separation barriers (25) (26), protrude between the cellsfor insuring each ampoule from being crushed while crushing aneighboring one. Side walls (27) (28) are also provided, to protectampoules from harm in field condition and the like.

[0060] Part (21) further comprises an observation window (eyepiece) (29)which is also one of the exterior walls of the reaction chamber of thecasing, (the horizontal line pattern does not exist in the real testkit, and is provided only to illustrate the actual eyepiece region). Theeyepiece is an integral part of the casing, which is all one casting.The eyepiece portion is transparent, due to its glossy polishing.

[0061]FIG. 2c illustrates other walls (30) (31) of the reaction chamber.These inner walls reduce the actual inner space of the chamber such thatonly a mid portion of the observation window is used for observing areaction (color change) made in the chamber (in these figures, theactual eyepiece region is patterned by horizontal lines). The two excessregions of the observation window (from both sides of said mid portion)may be used for printing (or sticking) color-indexing spots for readingthe results of a test in a glance with the index.

[0062] Part (41) comprises a main portion of the reaction chamber (44).The reaction chamber is shaped wide at part (45) which is laid open tothe ampoule cells (22)(23)(24) when the two parts (21)(41) are attachedto each other. The interior side of this wide area of the reactionchamber is illustrated in FIG. 2b, having a filtering screen made of aline of protrusions starts with protrusion (46) which faces the lowerend of cell (22), and ends with protrusion (47) which faces the lowerend of the opposing cell (24). This filtering screen of spacedprotrusions, prevents pieces of broken ampoules from passing into thechamber, but allows free flow of the ampoule content from the cells tothe chamber.

[0063] The lower part (34) of the chamber is shaped narrow, for focusingthe reagents into a distinct region facing the observation window (29).The casing is further comprised of an inlet opening (48) for theinsertion of the sampling probe (seen in FIGS. 3a, 3 b). The samplingprobe is adapted for the placement of a suspected material inside thechamber, at a point facing the observation window. The inlet opening(48) and the sampling probe are contoured such that the opening issealed by the probe, when the probe reaches its final position insidethe chamber. Pit (42) and ramp (43) are parts of mutual interlockingarrangement between the casing and the sampling probe.

[0064]FIGS. 3a and 3 b, each illustrate the other side of the samplingprobe (50). The probe is comprised of a hand grip (57), and a wide body(51) ends with a thin rod (52). The rod (52) has a removable extension(53)(53 a), which is the sampling member of the probe. The probesdepicted by these two FIGS. (3 a and 3 b) differ from each other by thetype of their sampling members (53)(53 a). This difference may beachieved either by designing a main probe and a selection of removablesampling members, or by designing different probes, each with a uniquetype of sampling member. On the edge of the sampling members (53)(53 a)are located collecting means for collecting a sample of suspectedmaterial. The collecting means on the edge of the sampling member (53)is a toothed area, to be pressed to a crumb of suspected material fortrapping and picking it. The collecting means on the edge of thesampling member (53 a) is a miniature hollow cylinder to be pressed tosuspected powder remains for picking a sample. The probe furthercomprises on its wide body (51) an inclined protrusion (56). Thisprotrusion is for locking the probe to the casing, by its mutualinterlocking mechanism with said pit (42) (see FIG. 2d). The inclinationof the protrusion is for allowing driving the protrusion over said ramp(43) (see FIG. 2d), for being locked into the pit (42).

[0065]FIGS. 4a and 4 b each illustrate both sides of the complete casingwith a sampling probe in position. The mutual interlocking means betweencasing and probe comprises two projections projecting from the hand gripof the probe, that are held in part (21) of the casing. Thoseprojections, together with the probe rod which is hooked inside of thechamber (44), are secure the protrusion (56) in its conforming pit (42)in part (41) of the casing. Once the probe is fully inserted, there is a“click” made by protrusion (56) slipping from ramp (43) into pit (42).This “click” informs the user that the probe is locked in its position,the reaction chamber is sealed, and the suspected material is placed infront of the observation window. This is the appropriate time to crushthe ampoules by pressing the cells in the appropriate sequence. Whenwaiting for the reaction results, the casing can be positionedvertically on a horizontal surface (such a table), due to its wide basisportion, created between the bottom ends (27 a)(28 a)(59 a)(49 a) of theside walls (27)(28)(59)(49).

[0066]FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section view of the probe positionedand locked in the casing. The end (the tip) (61) of the sampling memberis fronting the window (29), the protrusion (56) is locked in pit (42)by the strait end of ramp (43) and by projection (54) which is held fromthe opposite side of the casing. The dotted patterned pressing point (23a) of cell (23) is ready for pressing it to position (65).

[0067]FIG. 6 illustrates a complete view of the casing and the probefrom the above.

What is claimed:
 1. A casing for use as a test kit using crushableampoules prefilled with chemical or biological reagents, comprising amolded casing having a distinct reaction chamber, at least one distinctcell adapted for receiving a crushable ampoule and having a flexiblepressing area at its outer wall for pressing and crushing said ampoule,wherein there is an opening between said chamber and said at least onecell, and said opening is narrow enough, or provided with filteringmeans, to prevent the passage of glass shards from the cell to thechamber.
 2. A casing according to claim 1 made from either casted,injected, vacuum-formed, or press-formed material.
 3. A casing accordingto claim 1, provided as a disposable closed unit equipped inside itscells with all the required ampoules for a specific test reaction.
 4. Acasing according to claim 1, wherein the opening between the reactionchamber and the at least one cell is formed in the shape of a channel.5. A casing according claim 1, further comprising aeration channelsbetween cells or between the chamber and the cells.
 6. A casingaccording to claim 1, wherein the flexible pressing area at the outerwall of a cell is focused for crushing its associated ampoule in aspecific predetermined breaking point.
 7. A casing according to claim 1,provided with a protective barrier between each pair of cells, toprotect ampoules from being crushed mistakenly.
 8. A casing according toclaim 1 wherein the pressing area is marked with a pattern.
 9. A casingfor use as a test kit using crushable ampoules prefilled with chemicalor biological reagents, comprising a molded casing having a distinctreaction chamber, at least one distinct cell adapted for receiving acrushable ampoule and having a flexible pressing area at its outer wallfor pressing and crushing said ampoule, wherein there is an openingbetween said chamber and said at least one cell, and said opening isnarrow enough, or provided with filtering means, to prevent the passageof glass shards from the cell to the chamber, said casing furthercomprising an inlet leading from it's outer side into the inner space ofthe reaction chamber for inserting a sample of a tested material.
 10. Acasing according to claim 9, wherein the inlet is provided withone-time-only breakable seal for punching it closely prior to use.
 11. Acasing for use as a test kit using crushable ampoules prefilled withchemical or biological reagents, comprising a molded casing having adistinct reaction chamber, at least one distinct cell adapted forreceiving a crushable ampoule and having a flexible pressing area at itsouter wall for pressing and crushing said ampoule, wherein there is anopening between said chamber and said at least one cell, and saidopening is narrow enough, or provided with filtering means, to preventthe passage of glass shards from the cell to the chamber, said casingfurther comprising an inlet leading from it's outer side into the innerspace of the reaction chamber for inserting a sample of a testedmaterial, and is provided with a sampling probe having collecting meansat its tip, for sampling outer material and delivering it through theinlet to the reaction chamber.
 12. A casing according to claim 11,wherein the sampling probe collecting means is a sticky portion forcollecting samples by adhesion.
 13. A casing according to claim 11,wherein the sampling probe comprises means for collecting liquidsamples.
 14. A casing according to claim 11 wherein the sampling probeis formed also as a sealing cap to the inlet.
 15. A casing according toclaim 11 having together with it's sampling probe mutual interlockingmeans for locking the probe to the casing.
 16. A casing according toclaim 11 having together with it's sampling probe mutual interlockingmeans for locking the probe to the casing, wherein said interlockingmeans are irreversible.
 17. A casing according to claim 1, furthercomprising ampoule fulcrums in the at least one cell, reducing thepressing force needed for crushing the ampoule.
 18. A casing accordingto claim 1, made of a transparent material casting having a glossypolishing at least on one of the reaction chamber walls.
 19. A casingaccording to claim 1, made of opaque material, with an eyepiece at thereaction chamber, or with a reaction chamber made from transparentmaterial.
 20. A casing according to claim 1, further comprisingcolor-indexing spot printed or sticked on a wall of the reactionchamber.
 21. A casing according to claim 1, having walls with straightbottom ends, enabling positioning the casing vertically on anyhorizontal surface.